Automatic pedestal toilet

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for raising and lowering a toilet. The toilet is configured to be equipped with pedestals which are encased in separate compartments in the base of the toilet. The toilet comprises an actuator for raising and lowing the toilet, as a result of the pedestals being pressed or depressed. The toilet comprises a controller for controlling the actuator, wherein the controller sends a signal to the actuator to raise or lower the toilet based on the pedestals being pressed or depressed.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a plumbing system, specifically a toiletsystem, and this invention is an advancement in the art and one model ofa new category of toilets—namely pedestal toilets.

Description of the Related Art

The modern-day toilet most commonly used in the western world consistsof multiple features to facilitate the user. There are multipleinventions that are already patented and are available in the marketwhich either facilitate the user with an automatic flush system orautomatic fragrance system for odor removal of noxious fumes, etc. Inaddition, there are numerous “smart” toilets which also offer “spa”features for the user.

There have been a large number of proposed automatic toilet flushingsystems for use in various commercial and industrial establishments. Asan example, automatic toilet flushing systems, which cause the automaticflushing operation of a toilet after a user leaves the immediateproximity of the toilet is frequently found in hotels, airports, trainstations and like public use facilities.

The commercially available automatic toilet flushing systems generallyoperate on the principle of using a beam of radiation which can beinterrupted to initiate a circuit operation and when the interruption,such as the person using the toilet system, removes themselves from theinterrupting position, a control circuit causes a flushing operation.

A battery-operated automatic toilet flushing system has also beendisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,118 dated Dec. 8, 1992, entitled“Solenoid-Operated Battery-Powered Flush Valve”. In this particularsystem, the valve itself is actually powered by a battery and also usesinfrared sensors connected to the battery along with a solenoid operablevalve mechanism. However, the system taught in the '118 patent is againdesigned for commercial or industrial type toilet or urinal use. Thepresent invention is applicable in all settings including residential,commercial, industrial, and all like public use facilities to promotebetter health.

Similarly, the flush toilet exhaust systems disclosed in the '856 and'590 patents are also designed to withdraw the odorous air from theairspace above the water level inside the water tank. These systemsinclude a sealing means {'856 patent} or a flexible strip {'590 patent}that can be installed at the upper edge of the water tank. The sealingmeans of the '856 patent is a hollow strip being in air communicationwith a hose connector and a blower. The sealing means defines holesfacing the interior of the water tank for receiving the odorous air fromthe airspace. After the odorous air enters the sealing means, it ispulled into the hose connector for remote exhaust. The flexible strip ofthe '590 patent seals the lid of the tank to create an airtight spacefrom which the odorous air is withdrawn. Both systems require a ventdevice to reduce the problem of undesirable suction when the toilet isflushed.

Unlike the patents described earlier, the '544 patent describes a systemthat is designed to withdraw the odorous air from the upper end of theoverflow pipe. This system includes a hollow, open bottom, verticalsleeve that is positioned over the upper end of the overflow pipe. Thelower end of the sleeve terminates below the water level in the watertank so that a water seal is achieved to provide closed communicationbetween the overflow passageway and the sleeve. The system also includesa means for creating low air pressure connected to the sleeve so thatodorous air is drawn from the sleeve for remote exhaust. Theinefficiency in withdrawing the odorous air from the sleeve into theexhaust pipe can be a drawback with this system, because only low airpressure can be applied so that the water within the sleeve is not alsowithdrawn. Yet another system disclosed in the '276 patent shows atoilet system that includes vent channels formed along the base and theback inside of the water tank. The system also includes a vent adaptermounted inside of the passage that directs the flow of ventilating airalong the vent channels to an exhaust fan to the outside atmosphere. Onedrawback of this system is the requirement of a specially designedtoilet bowl and water tank.

Similar to the ventilated toilet systems, several patents have discloseddifferent types of toilet systems that include automatic flushingmechanisms. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,831,670 and 5,369,816 disclosetoilet systems having a weight-activated flushing mechanism. This typeof mechanism includes an electric motor that is activated by the weightof the user sitting on and then leaving the seat. When the motor isactivated, the tripping mechanism trips the flush valve open to allowthe water to flush. A major drawback for the weight-activating flushingmechanism is that it does not operate when the user does not sit down onthe seat. Therefore, when people who normally do not sit down on theseat for a urinal purpose use the toilet, the toilet will need to beflushed manually.

A different flushing mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,384.This mechanism comprises a motion-sensing device positioned in the watertank and aligned with a window in the toilet cover when the cover is ina raised position. The motion-sensing device is operatively connected toa motor that drives an L-shaped lever that is connected to a flappervalve. The flushing system operates when the motion-sensing device isactivated when the user uses the toilet and then moves away from thetoilet. The motion-sensing device charges electric current to the motorwhich drives the lever upward such that the flapper is lifted to openthe valve for the water to flush.

A similar flushing system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,141,091. Thissystem comprises three functional blocks: an input sensor or switch, alogic control circuit and an Electro-mechanically operated liquiddispenser or flusher. The whole assembly, which is attached to the innerside of the water tank, is hermetically sealed in order to protect theactuator against moisture and possible corrosion. The movable end of theplunger is with a chain or wire connected to the flush handle and drainvalve. In the flushing system of '384 and '091 patents, most of thecomponents have to be fitted inside the water tank. Possible concerns ofthese systems are in the limitation of fitting all parts into anexisting toilet system and the need to modify the water tank and thetoilet lid for positioning the motion-sensing device.

The present invention has been specially designed to provide automatic,elevating pedestals which are built directly into the base of a toilet,thus eliminating the need for a user to add any type of additionaldevice currently found on the market to recreate the “squatting”position which aligns the spine to achieve the optimum position tocleanse the bowels most efficiently.

The present invention, through the use of the automatic, recessed, andencased pedestals improves the art by introducing a design for a toiletsystem where inherent in the design of the system and toilet arepedestals built directly into the base of the toilet. The applicantasserts that no search will disclose a patent which has been issuedwhich has solved this problem prior to the introduction of this toiletsystem which actually creates a new category in toilet design and theapplicant believes this new category will set the new standard fortoilet design worldwide based upon the superior design which furthersthe art and achieves greater health for the user. The new standardshould be applied universally around the globe to increase the health ofall humans.

Heretofore, there has never been a toilet system designed withautomatic, adjustable pedestals built directly into the base of thetoilet. In addition, the pedestals are conveniently recessed into therear of the toilet in separate cases, when defecation is necessary forthe user the person simply touches a button to release the pedestals andthen has the ability to adjust the height for the most efficient andcomfortable position which recreates the “squatting” position. This isan automatic model in a new category of toilets—pedestal toilets—whichwill set the standard worldwide based upon the innovation of having thepedestals included with the toilet.

In many cases, governmental regulations now require the use offacilities which meet certain health standards. The U.S. Government Aidfor Disabilities Act is an example of a required law which aims toassist the disabled population and this present invention would enablethese people to much more easily and comfortably defecate efficientlyfor maximum health. A toilet operation that does not require engagementof a handle and is automatic with buttons conveniently placed directlyon the toilet would be an attractive feature to comply with this Act.This invention would also serve a population of people who suffertemporary or permanent disabilities which may preclude convenient use ofa toilet.

Heretofore, there has never been a commercially available toilet systemwhich has inherent in its design the inclusion of pedestals builtdirectly into the base which are released automatically at the touch ofa button. The five different levels which can be chosen by the user arecontrolled by buttons located directly on the base. Such an adaptationwould be highly desirable for residential and commercial use.

It is to be noted that as per Applicant's knowledge, none of these priorart methods have been found to be completely suitable to meet theseneeds and are cumbersome and non-durable. Additionally, a thoroughsearch of all is Hence, the inventor of the present invention proposesto resolve and surmount the existing technical difficulties and toeliminate the aforementioned shortcomings of prior art. Therefore, theobject of the Adjuster model of the pedestal toilet system is to deliveran automatic toilet that comes equipped with pedestals that are releasedwhen needed for defecation and when not necessary they remainconveniently encased at the rear of the toilet.

SUMMARY

In light of the disadvantages of the prior art, the following summary isprovided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovativefeatures unique to the present invention and is not intended to be afull description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of theinvention can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims,drawings, and abstract as a whole.

Therefore, it can be seen that the right combination of featuresincorporated in the device of the present invention produces surprisingresults that are not produced by the prior art. Moreover, a thoroughsearch of all patentable toilet systems will disclose no prior art whichhas inherent in its design the feature of including retractablepedestals which are attached to the base as one unit. Additionally, anextensive market research will reveal no devices offered commercially ona worldwide basis, which offer the advantages of the present invention.In fact, the design of this present invention creates a new category andstandard in toilet design. The Applicant believes the unique features ofthe present invention will be accepted universally as a crucial stepforward in promoting worldwide health.

This summary is provided merely for the purposes of summarizing someexample embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of someaspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will beappreciated that the above-described features are merely examples andshould not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subjectmatter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, andadvantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparentfrom the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated inand form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrateembodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explainvarious principles and advantages of those embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodimentswhich are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that theinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a frontal view of the pedestal toilet, in accordance withan example;

FIG. 2 depicts a side perspective view of the pedestal toilet, inaccordance with an example;

FIG. 3 depicts a top perspective view of the pedestal toilet, inaccordance with an example;

FIG. 4 depicts a complete perspective view of the pedestal toilet, inaccordance with an example.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

The apparatus and method components have been represented whereappropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only thosespecific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments ofthe present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with detailsthat will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein.It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for theclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailedsystem, structure or manner.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certainembodiments”, and “an embodiment” or similar terms means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in variousplaces throughout this specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments without limitation.

It is commonly known in the art that many people in the world don't havea safe way to use bathroom facilities around the world. As such, therehas been a long felt need for the development of a universal and dynamictoilet system for allowing individuals to adjust the toilet height, ondemand, in accordance to their comfort levels, or health related needs.Medical doctors, naturopaths, and assorted holistic health professionalshave pointed out the hazards of the conventional toilets and theirshortcomings. There is empirical evidence that conventional westerntoilet systems do not promote proper hygiene for the user. The presentinvention will allow the user to significantly increase the efficacy ofa toilet by equipping and including automatic, elevating pedestals inthe base of the toilet as standard equipment, thereby rendering obsoletethe need to add any additional devices to the toilet to achieve the“squatting” position.

In any building, residential or commercial, the bathroom is certainlyone of the most used and vital places in the property. Essential tohuman life is the efficient cleansing of the bowels to promote maximumhealth. The “squatting” position has been shown to be the most efficientposition a human being can assume when defecating to thoroughly cleansethe bowels. The present invention, with automatic, elevating pedestals,solves a need which heretofore has not been addressed by any toiletsystem found anywhere in the world. No toilet system found commerciallyon the market and no patents issued for any toilet system include andinvolve the technology which is being introduced by this new category oftoilets—pedestal toilets—and specifically this automatic model in theseries.

This invention relates to a plumbing system, but more specifically to atoilet system which offers a new category of toilets—pedestaltoilets—which are toilets that come equipped with pedestals builtdirectly into the base of the stool as one unit. As per Applicant'sknowledge there has never been a toilet system designed which offerstoilets that come equipped with pedestals to raise the feet of a userwhile defecation is in order.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a toilet 110 is shown including thetraditional toilet components of a toilet bowl, a toilet seat, a toiletbowl lid, and a toilet tank having a toilet lid. The toilet seats andthe toilet bowl are connected to the toilet bowl in a known manner suchthat the seat and the lid can articulate relative to the toilet bowlbetween a raised and lowered position, as well understood by one'sskilled in the art. Additionally, the operation and structural aspectsof the toilet 110 can be of any manner known, and thus representative ofone or more variations of design as can be ascertained by ones skilledin the art.

This specific invention is an automatic model in the series of pedestaltoilets. This automatic pedestal toilet comes equipped with pedestals120 which are encased in separate compartments 130 in the base of thetoilet. When defecation is in order, the user presses a button whichactivates the pedestals 120 which are released alongside of the bowl sothat the user can elevate the pedestals 120 to different heightadjustments based upon the most efficient and comfortable placement forthe user. The different levels will allow the user to place thepedestals 120 at the precise point so that the spine is in the mostefficient position to cleanse the bowels. Historically this has beenreferred to as the “squatting” position. Heretofore, there has neverbeen a toilet system designed with pedestals 120 contained in the baseof the toilet itself. Moreover, inherent in the design of this automaticmodel is the fact that the pedestals 120 are part of the toilet itselfand no additional device is required to be added by the user to achievethe “squatting” position. The buttons for the different levels areconveniently located directly on the base of the stool. This particularinvention offers the ability to automatically adjust the pedestals 120to the desired level at the touch of a button. This will allow the userto achieve the “squatting” position which is perfect to align theirspine for their needs and body type.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the toilet110 includes one or more pedestals 120 for the feet of a person to placetheir feet upon the pedestals 120 when they need to defecate. Upon oneor more of the pedestals 120 being pressed, the toilet can raise orlower in order to reach a desired height or comfort position for aperson intending to utilize the toilet. More specifically, one or morepedestals 120 can be attached to the base of the toilet. In addition,the toilet can be configured with an actuator for raising and lowing thetoilet, as a result of the pedestals 120 being pressed or depressed. Theactuator can be an electric motor or any suitable electronic componentcapable of rotating, raising, or lowering, mechanisms in order to raiseor lower the toilet base. The toilet can further comprise a controllerfor controlling the actuator, wherein the controller sends a signal tothe actuator to raise or lower the toilet based on the pedestals 120being pressed or depressed.

According to a first embodiment, the toilet system creates a newcategory in toilet design and function whereby the toilet comes equippedwith pedestals 120 to raise the feet of the user during defecation andthe pedestals 120 are attached to the base as one unit.

According to a second embodiment, the toilet system has automaticpedestals 120 designed into the base of the stool and are released atthe touch of a button.

According to a third embodiment, the toilet system has elevatingpedestals 120 which offer five different levels for the user to achievethe “squatting” position.

According to a fourth embodiment, this invention offers pedestals 120which are built into the base and retract into the base when not neededby the user. This feature was designed into the present invention tomake it easier for the user to access the toilet and offer a morestreamlined and efficient toilet experience.

In one embodiment, the pedestals 120 are automatic and raise todifferent levels to adjust to the perfect height for a person so thatthey can achieve the squatting position. For example, it has been shownby various medical studies that a maximization of the angle for thespine, can completely cleanse the bowels.

In one embodiment a first pedal of the one or more pedestals 120 isconfigured to raise the toilet, and a second pedal of the one or morepedestals 120 is configured to lower the toilet.

In one embodiment the one or more pedestals 120 are encased in separatecompartments 13—in the base of the toilet. Additionally, the separatecompartments can release the one or more pedestals 120 as a result of abutton being pressed.

In one embodiment, the person pressed a button which activates thepedestals 120 to be released from their case 130.

In one embodiment, the user simply presses a button which activates therelease of the pedestals 120 alongside the base of the stool to raisethe feet of the user.

Similarly, to the above described embodiments, FIG. 4 incorporates allof the elements or at least a combination thereof of that which isdisclosed in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. In addition, FIG. 4 disclosesthat the toilet or adjuster toilet 110 is further configured with anadjuster 2 feature, which allows a user to dynamically adjust theheight, or horizontal position of the toilet to the user's desiredcomfort. In one embodiment, the toilet 110 can be configured withdifferent levels which can be achieved by the user by simply pressing abutton 4 for the desired level to achieve the perfect “squatting”position for maximum efficiency and comfort for the user. The adjuster 2can be positioned on the base of the toilet 110, where all of theelectronic components and circuits can be configured to beinterconnected and controlled via the adjuster 2. The adjuster 2 can beconfigured to comprise of a set or a plurality of buttons that areconfigured to adjust the height, the horizontal position, and thepositioning of the paws or pedestals 120. The paws or pedestals can beconfigured to retract 10 (17) into or extend from the paws base 9.

In addition, the paws or pedestals 120 can be configured to becontrolled by a hand mechanism or crank 14 that is configured with ahandle 13, that is operable to rotate in one direction to extend thepaws 120 from the base 9, or retract 10 the paws 120 back into the base9. The crank 140 can be further controlled via a lever that is affixedto the crank and conveniently located directly on the base of the stool.As such, this feature offers the ability to manually extend and retract10 (17) the pedestals 120 to the extension position by rotating thecrank 140 in one direction in order to extend the pedestals 120 from thecasing or base 9, and rotating in the opposite direction in order toretract the pedestals 120 back into the base 9. This will allow the userto achieve the “squatting” position which is perfect to align theirspine for their needs and body type.

In some embodiments, the base 9, can be configured with a cover 8, toprovide for additional protection. The adjuster, can be affixed in avariety of ways that would allow for save electrical conductivity oraffixed to the base 9 of the toilet 110 by a set of fasteners 24. Theset of fasteners 24 could be sized to be IN-HWMS 0.138-40×0.375×0.375-N.

In one embodiment, the toilet 110 can be configured with a sleeve cover7, that is configured to wrap around the sitting area of the toilet 110.The sleeve cover can provide anti-slippage protection for the user toprevent them from slipping off of the toilet, in the instance that thetoilet is mobile or stationary.

In one embodiment, the toilet 110, is further configured with a tanksleeve 120, that is wrapped around the upper tank 21 of the toilet 110,and configured to provide additional protection for the user to grip,brace, or lean to gain their balance, and prepare for the toilet 110movement in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction.

It is noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in itsmost simple form, various components and aspects of the device may bedifferently shaped or slightly modified when forming the inventionherein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate thedescriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meantto portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope andintent of the invention, and are not to be considered limiting in anymanner.

This invention has other applications, potentially, and one skilled inthe art could discover these. The explication of the features of thisinvention does not limit the claims of this application; otherapplications developed by those skilled in the art will be included inthis invention.

Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains maymake modifications resulting in other embodiments employing principlesof the present invention without departing from its spirit orcharacteristics, particularly upon considering the foregoing teachings.Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative, and not restrictive, and the scope of thepresent invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims ratherthan by the foregoing description or drawings. Consequently, while thepresent invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments, modifications of structure, sequence, materials and thelike apparent to those skilled in the art still fall within the scope ofthe invention as claimed by the applicant. While all of the fundamentalcharacteristics and features of the invention have been shown anddescribed herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, alatitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intendedin the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in someinstances, some features of the invention may be employed without acorresponding use of other features without departing from the scope ofthe invention as set forth. It should also be understood that varioussubstitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations andsubstitutions are included within the scope of the invention as definedby the following claims.

1. An apparatus for raising and lowering a toilet, said apparatuscomprising: one or more pedestals attached to the base of the toilet; anactuator for raising and lowing the toilet, as a result of the pedestalsbeing pressed or depressed; and a controller for controlling theactuator, wherein the controller sends a signal to the actuator to raiseor lower the toilet based on the pedestals being pressed or depressed.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first pedal of the one or morepedestals is configured to raise the toilet.
 3. The apparatus of claim1, wherein a second pedal of the one or more pedestals is configured tolower the toilet.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or morepedestals are encased in separate compartments in the base of thetoilet.|
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the separate compartmentscan release the one or more pedestals as a result of a button beingpressed.